The character of Henry V act 1 scene 2

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Introduction

Henry's character is revelled in more depth in this scene. Shakespeare has given Henry the attributes of a respectable king and a skilful soldier. He has the qualities to win against the Dauphin. Henry is a devoutly religious man, 'save those to God that run before our business.' In addition he seeks approval and support of the Church before waging war. He prays sincerely, entrusting his enterprise to God's will. Henry is said to be ambitious, 'I will rise there with so full a glory that I will dazzle the eyes of France.' Here he says he will win the war against the Dauphin and he is shown to be very confident when he says this. ...read more.

Middle

The message from the Dauphin was that Henry's life was always a game so he sent Henry tennis balls to play with. Henry using his self controls turns the gift to mocker the Dauphin by saying the war will be a brutal game. Henry's other characteristic is to be decisive and firm. His reply to the Dauphin's tennis balls insult is angry and but dignified. The best feature Henry has is his calculating skills. He uses these to decide to split his army into quarters of to take them to war with the Dauphin. He listens to the advice of others and considers such practical issues as the danger of a Scottish attack. Henry is determined to win the war, 'plodded like a man for working days. ...read more.

Conclusion

He has everything planned out. Henry use theatrical terms when he speaks, 'when I do rouse me in my throne of France.' This states Henry has prepared to take the throne to France one way another. Henry uses force, to try to make the Dauphin back up. He is shrewd when the tennis balls arrive, he does not reply with a gift of mockery to Dauphin instead he uses his gift to mocker Dauphin. This is good judgement by Henry. In addition Henry is very attentive when the French Ambassador arrives. Henry tells him to speak in plain English for him to listen closely. Now you see Henry has a lot of attributes and characteristics and is seen with a lot of praise for he is a 'STAR of ENGLAND.' Vimalraj Arumugam 9P English Homework 10/05/2007 ...read more.

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